Right to Request Teacher Qualifications

Parent/Guardian Right to Know Information as Required by Elementary and Secondary Education Assistance (ESEA) [Section 1112(e)(1)(A)] and the Every Student Succeeds Act [Section 1112(e)(1)(A)]

The Allentown School District receives Federal Title I funds to assist students in meeting state achievement standards. Throughout the school year, parents and guardians will be provided with important information about this law and their child’s education. Every parent/guardian of a student within the Allentown School District, you have the right to request information about the qualifications of the classroom staff working with their child.

The District is very proud of our teachers and feel they are ready for the coming school year and are prepared to give every child a high-quality education. As a Title I District, federal regulations must be met related to teacher qualifications as defined in ESEA. These regulations allow parents and guardians to learn more about their child’s teachers’ training and credentials. We are happy to provide this information to you. At any time, you may ask:

Whether the teacher met state qualifications and certification requirements for the grade level and subject he/she is teaching,

Whether the teacher received an emergency or conditional certificate through which state qualifications were waived, and

What undergraduate or graduate degrees the teacher holds, including graduate certificates and additional degrees, and major(s) or area(s) of concentration.

You may also ask whether your child receives help from a paraprofessional. If your child receives this assistance, we can provide you with information about the paraprofessional’s qualifications.

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) which was signed into law in December 2015 and reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1956 (ESEA) includes additionally right to know requests. At any time, parents and family members can request:

Information on policies regarding student participation in assessments and procedures for opting out, and

Information on required assessments that include

subject matter tested,

purpose of the test,

source of the requirement (if applicable),

amount of time it takes students to complete the test, and

time and format of disseminating results.

Allentown School District employees are committed to helping your child develop the academic knowledge and critical thinking he/she needs to succeed in school and beyond. That commitment includes making sure that all of our teachers and paraprofessionals meet applicable Pennsylvania state requirements.

If you have any questions about your child’s assignment to a teacher or paraprofessional, please contact your principal.